More than 18,000 visitors today (Saturday) helped IWM Duxford commemorate the Battle of Britain as the historic airfield celebrated its finest hour in its centenary year.

The Tiger Nine team of nine Tiger Moths showcasing the aircraft that many Battle of Britain pilots flew when they started training. [Picture: David Mackey
Macks Aviation Photo]

Across the museum, visitors enjoyed a wide range of activities.

The Home Front village brought visitors back to the Second World War with nostalgic music from the Debonaires Jump Jive Swinging Little Big Band and The Bluebird Belles.

Jitterbug jive offered 1940s dance demonstrations.

In the authors’ marquee, visitors had the chance to hear from renowned history authors, including Joshua Levine, historical consultant on the film Dunkirk.

A finale flypast led by a Bristol Blenheim followed by three Mark I Spitfires, Hurricanes and a Gloster Gladiator [Picture: Phil Chaplin]

Visitors met and chatted with living history groups representing First World War pilots and Second World War RAF fighter pilots, United States Army Air Forces ground crew and Observer Corps.

A group of 11 World War Two American veterans also attended the air show today (Saturday, September 23).

The flying display commenced with a display by the RAF Falcons Parachute Display Team.

Highlights of the flying display included six Hurricanes flying in formation, celebrating the unsung fighter aircraft of the Battle of Britain, and The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight’s Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane.

A Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c replica . Picture: Clive Porter

Debonaires vocalist, Sarah Eastwood. Picture: Clive Porter

The Fokker Dr.l triplane. Picture: Clive Porter

Crowds flocked to IWM Duxford. Picture: Clive Porter

The Battle of Britain show attracted people in many different costumes. Picture: Clive Porter

Wartime outfits seen all around IWM Duxford. Picture: Clive Porter

The Bristol Blenheim with escorts. Picture: Clive Porter

Aircraft lined up at IWM Duxford. Picture: Clive Porter

Avro Lancaster B1 aircraft. Picture: Clive Porter

RAF Falcons descending on Duxford. Picture: Clive Porter

0

1/15

The Tiger Nine team of nine Tiger Moths showcased the aircraft that many Battle of Britain pilots flew when they started training.

The Great War Display Team presented World War One combat tactics with nine replica First World War aircraft including a Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, three Royal Aircraft Factory SE5a aircraft, two Fokker DR1 triplanes and two Junkers CL1 aircraft, accompanied by flak, bombing and strafing effects.